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Average Price: $2,100

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$4500+

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Description

The Fender Rhodes is a quintessential electric piano that has shaped the sound of countless genres, from jazz to rock. Known for its distinctive, warm tone, the Rhodes has an unmistakable, bell-like sound that can't be replicated by any other instrument. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Rhodes offers an expressive playing experience that resonates with music lovers worldwide.

Equipped with 73 weighted keys, the Fender Rhodes provides a tactile feel akin to acoustic pianos, making it ideal for performers seeking dynamic control. Its compact design and robust build make it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances, where its legendary sound can truly shine.

This vintage instrument is celebrated for its unique tine-based sound generation system, which combines mechanical and electrical components to produce its signature tones. Since its introduction, the Rhodes has remained a favorite among musicians for its ability to seamlessly blend into a wide range of musical styles while retaining its own character.

For those looking to recreate iconic sounds or explore new musical territories, the Fender Rhodes is an instrument that offers endless possibilities.

Key Features:

  • 73 weighted keys for authentic acoustic piano feel
  • Unique tine-based sound generation system
  • Signature bell-like tone ideal for jazz, rock, and more
  • Compact design suitable for studio and live settings
  • Durable construction for reliable performance
J3PO

J3PO

catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I

Video thumbnail for catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I by J3PO

catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I

J3PO

J3PO

Video thumbnail for Fender-Rhodes Mark 1 Stage Piano | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Fender-Rhodes Mark 1 Stage Piano | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Complete Restoration 1973 Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (In English) by soundlutions

Complete Restoration 1973 Fender Rhodes Electric Piano (In English)

soundlutions

soundlutions

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Rhodes (General).

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory-bumped pedestals on '78-'79 models are preferred for smoother action, making these years a sweet spot for restoration projects.

    Source
  • Inspect for mechanical issues like bent chassis, stuck keys, buzzing, and hum. Check for crackling potentiometers and low note volume indicating pickup issues.

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  • Tone bars and pickups often require replacement; missing pieces can drastically affect functionality, requiring extensive repairs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Fender Rhodes typically sounds best when amplified through a tube guitar amp like a Fender Twin Reverb, which is believed to match the factory voicing.

    Source
  • The Mark V is not considered highly collectible; potential buyers are advised to look inside for damage from overplaying, such as broken or bent tines.

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  • When testing pickups, note that one dead pickup can affect an entire octave due to series wiring.

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User experience

  • Owners emphasize the uniqueness of each Rhodes, suggesting a hands-on trial before purchase due to varied action and tone between units.

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  • Owners describe the Mark V as having a bright tone not suitable for darker, classic Rhodes sounds like "Riders On The Storm".

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  • Vintage Rhodes are heavy and not practical for frequent transportation, often leading owners to alternative solutions like Nord keyboards.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Miracle Mod by Vintage Vibe is recommended to address sluggish action, enhancing playability significantly.

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  • Vintage Vibe offers a refurb kit for replacing worn rubber tips and grommets, allowing for DIY restoration to improve playability.

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  • Tines and Reeds in Germany and EP Service in the Netherlands are recommended for sourcing parts and services.

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Comparisons

  • The Yamaha Reface CP is favored for its portability and simplicity, offering effects and ease of use compared to the heavier, maintenance-intensive Rhodes.

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Value and pricing

  • The Mark V is rare, with only about 2000 made, but prices can be high. Ensure condition justifies cost, especially if repairs are needed.

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  • A 1977 Fender Rhodes in poor condition with missing parts may require an additional €2000 in parts for restoration.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Larry Young uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Larry Young

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tony Williams Lifetime

...
Verified via Discogs

Larry Young is credited with using a Fender Rhodes in the liner notes of his album "Larry Young's Fuel," as documented on Discogs.

See how Vince Guaraldi uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Vince Guaraldi

Keyboardist, Composer

Vince Guaraldi Trio

...
Verified via Scribd

According to Kewin Apo in "Vince Guaraldi at the Piano" on Scribd, Vince Guaraldi used a Fender Rhodes electric piano on several Peanuts albums, including the Thanksgiving album, and also played it on the 2004 compilation album "Oaxaca".

See how Thijs van Leer uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Thijs van Leer

Singer, Keyboardist

Focus

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:22 you can see a fender Rhodes next to Van leer

See how Max Tundra uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Max Tundra

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Pressreader

Max used a Fender Rhodes all over his first three albums.

See how Gavin Castleton uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Gavin Castleton

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

"This was the first use of my new Rhodes..."

See how Jim Beard uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Jim Beard

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Chroma

...
Verified via Discogs

Jim Beard is credited with using a Fender Rhodes in the liner notes of Bob Berg's album "Virtual Reality," as documented on Discogs.

See how Warren Bernhardt uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Warren Bernhardt

Keyboardist

Jack DeJohnette's Directions

...
Verified via Discogs

Warren Bernhardt is credited with playing a Fender Rhodes on the album "Free Smiles (Live at Montreux 1978)," a collaborative work with Mike Mainieri, as documented on Discogs.

See how Tony Hymas uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Tony Hymas

Composer

Ph.D.

...
Verified via AllMusic

Tony Hymas is credited with playing a Fender Rhodes on Ray Russell's album "Ready or Not," as documented by AllMusic.

See how Christian Bruhn uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Christian Bruhn

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The booklet accompanying the release credits Christian Bruhn with playing the Fender Rhodes, performed by Kristian Schultze.

See how Ben Tanner uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Ben Tanner

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Ericerdmanmusic

"With the Shakes, I have a pretty sweet right now. They recently bought a road-worthy B3 that has folding legs and fits into a road case. So I usually have that and a Rhodes and the Nord Electro. The Electro i normally use for just piano sounds unless the Rhodes is having issues, which happens from time to time."

See how Mitchel Forman uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Mitchel Forman

Composer

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Discogs

Mitchel Forman is credited with using a Fender Rhodes on the album "Mahavishnu" by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, as documented on Discogs.

See how Phil Moffa uses Fender Rhodes (General)

Phil Moffa

...
Verified via fabric london

"I can’t forget the Fender Rhodes"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Rhodes (General), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

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